WellBeings: Better sleep, better you. Dominic Bowden talks to Dr Frank Lipman

But this week on episode 6 of WellBeings we debunk the myths and look at the science of sleep. In the last few years, researchers, doctors, and journalists have learned more than ever about the role it plays in our lives, today we are talking to one of those experts, because not all sleep is created equal.

The hope is this week’s podcast will send you to sleep. With doctor and author of the bestseller “Better Sleep, Better You” by Dr Frank Lipman.

So how do we optimize our sleep?

With just a few small adjustments to our sleep environment we can change so much of our life experience, so let’s take a look at how to set ourselves up for sleep success. Here, Dr Frank Lipman shares his top tips: 

As part of your bedtime routine, Lipman recommends switching off electronics at least two hours before you go to sleep. If you only follow one sleepy time protocol, this would be it. "Artificial light is one of the biggest—if not the biggest -issue with cultural arrhythmia, or why so many people have a sleep problem." Lipman adds "Melatonin, which is our primary sleep hormone, will not be secreted if there's any bit of light." So if you're exposed to the light of your computer or phone screen late at night, it tricks your body into thinking it's earlier than it is.

"Having a completely dark room is essential," Lipman says. Again, any light can mess with your ability to get to sleep on time. If you live in a city environment, invest in some blackout or at the very least, an eye mask "The eye mask is a pretty simple way of darkening the room," he said. 

Finally sleep and temperature are connected. One study explains "The core temperature decreases during nocturnal sleep and increases during the wake phase." So keeping your room cool can help trick your body into feeling sleepy. 

It is important to keep sleep hygiene at the top of your list when it comes to looking after your wellbeing. An optimal sleep routine is just as, if not more, important than say the effort you put into your fitness routine. 

For more from Frank head to drfranklipman.com and if you know people close to you that really need help hacking their sleep please share this interview with them and share your experiences with us at  wearewellbeings.com or on Instagram and more than anything please subscribe https://wearewellbeings.com/subscribe and help us continue to build this little community.